Apprenticeship Accommodation: Everything you need to know
Apprenticeships are a brilliant opportunity to earn money while gaining valuable work experience and academic qualifications.
And just like university, it’s possible to move away from home to do one. Finding tip-top accommodation that helps you settle into your new town or city is everything.
Want the perfect place to call home? Read on to find your match.
Before we jump in, well done on securing an apprenticeship!
Whilst many choose to live at home, others will have to relocate to start their scheme.
You may find that your new employer can support you in this search, either by putting you in touch with other apprentices who are starting, or even with accommodation agents that have homes ready for apprentices to move right in. It might be very easy.
But if not, read on to see how you can secure somewhere to live whilst you complete your apprenticeship.
Student apprenticeship accommodation
Did you know that you can live in university halls as a degree apprentice? While university students and degree apprentices have different programmes and schedules, degree apprentices are still part-time students and get the same rights as any other student.
If you’re thinking of doing a degree apprenticeship - or you have secured one already - staying in university halls is one of the better options. Not only will you mix with students your age and feel part of a wider community, but you’ll save lots of time and energy, especially if you have to be up for those early morning lectures on your study days.
Most students looking for apprenticeship accommodation will stay in halls (depending on availability). Others will choose to live in private accommodation instead.
Sheffield Hallam University has halls for its degree apprentices, which you can live in for a full year or less when you study at the university.
Most universities as well won’t make you move out every term, so even when your flatmates leave for the holidays, you will still have a place to stay.
Private apprenticeship accommodation
Flatsharing is a great option if you’re looking for affordable accommodation whilst completing your apprenticeship. You can find a room through websites like SpareRoom and OpenRent. Or contact letting agents directly to see what properties are available.
Sharing with people you’ve never met can be scary. But remember, everyone’s in the same boat. Just give it time and before you know it, you’ll be making friends left, right and centre.
Normally in private accommodation, you will be expected to pay your own bills (unless it’s in your tenancy agreement) and have to deal with council tax.
Top Tips
Before getting into any legal agreement:
View houses and meet potential housemates in person
Read the contract thoroughly to know what you’re signing up for
Check the inventory to ensure everything on there actually exists at the property.
It might be worth going over the contract with a family member too. Or someone with rental experience to make sure you don’t come across any hidden clauses that could cost you later.
Living in London
Moving to the capital? Keep an eye on LHA London. This friendly and affordable accommodation charity lets you rent a place for as little as £90 a week, with bills, WIFI, insurance, cleaning and council tax included! You’ll have 24-hour staff and security on-site too.
Plus no contracts to worry about. So if you want to leave early, all you have to do is give them a week’s notice. And that’s it. Easy.
Financial support
While you’re expected to find your apprenticeship accommodation, some employers will support you as you make this transition into working life. This could include:
A financial relocation package to cover moving expenses
Networking opportunities with other apprentices joining the company as lots of apprentices tend to live together
Travel expenses, so you can visit home once a month.
Recruiters will happily answer any questions you have at your apprenticeship interview. So go on and make a list of everything that’s on your mind. Your future self will thank you for it.
Before you finalise anything, do some research first. Watch videos of apprentices who relocated and find out what worked (and didn’t work for them). This will help you make an informed decision as to where you should live.
Plan out your finances like how much your salary will be and how much can you afford to then pay on rent etc.
How to manage living in a new area
Once you move in, it’s time to get familiar with your neighbourhood. The sooner you do, the comfier you’ll feel in your new surroundings.
Walk around your area and familiarise yourself with the buses and tubes
Practice your work commute to avoid getting stressed or lost on the day
Locate your nearest bank, ATM machine, supermarket and chemist
Register with your local GP.
Lastly, get to know your housemates. Have a movie night. You’ll be living together for a while. So the more you bond, the more fun you’ll have.
Do these and promise life will be 100x easier and stress-free.
5 Tips for Starting an Apprenticeship
Read our top tips for starting an apprenticeship, from financial to travel considerations
Student Finance during Placement Year
Find out everything you need to know about student finance during your placement year - including how much you can get and how to apply.
What are my rights on work experience?
Whether you’re doing an internship, placement year or another form of work experience, it’s really important that you are clear on the terms of your employment so that you are not taken advantage of.
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